Lender · Georgetown, TX · Member since 2015 · 23 posts · 33 votes
10y
Always pull your own report. I have had tenants fake credit reports, pay stubs, W2s, and rent receipts. Check to phone numbers they give you as landlord and employer - ensure they are not just a buddy that agreed to answer the phone for them. Drive by the address they list as their current address. I have had tenants list non-existent addresses and vacant, condemned houses as their current address.
Most people are honest and good. But you need to protect yourself from those who are not. An extra month's vacancy is much cheaper than a problem tenant.
Fort Collins, CO · Member since 2014 · 397 posts · 161 votes
10y
@Marci Stein There have been other forums with the same question and the main concern is that the person could create a fake credit report. If you run a check through a service on your own that should also include a criminal and eviction check, which wouldn't be the same as just the credit report the applicant would provide you. So I wouldn't view that as an acceptable alternative as it isn't the same thing.
Property Manager · Grants Pass, OR · Member since 2009 · 429 posts · 201 votes
10y
I would advise against it. If you use the credit report they supply it could be doctored. Many people know how to change a 550 to a 750 in Photoshop these days. Also, by accepting their self generated report from the bureau of their choice you are not treating them the same which is a potential legal issue down the road if you ever didn't allow somebody to provide their own credit reports.
I suggest remain consistent and order your own. Credit reports (criminal and eviction too) are inexpensive (around $15 for all three) and easy to order for both landlords and PMs.
Lender · Georgetown, TX · Member since 2015 · 23 posts · 33 votes
10y
Always pull your own report. I have had tenants fake credit reports, pay stubs, W2s, and rent receipts. Check to phone numbers they give you as landlord and employer - ensure they are not just a buddy that agreed to answer the phone for them. Drive by the address they list as their current address. I have had tenants list non-existent addresses and vacant, condemned houses as their current address.
Most people are honest and good. But you need to protect yourself from those who are not. An extra month's vacancy is much cheaper than a problem tenant.